Overview
The flight encountered marginal weather conditions while en route, leading the crew to modify altitude several times between 400 and 800 meters. Approaching Labinsk, the crew was advised of thunderstorm activity along the route but chose to continue. At 1503 local time, the aircraft entered the thunderstorm area. It promptly lost speed and altitude, became uncontrollable, and crashed into a cornfield in Krasnyy, about 35 kilometers southeast of Labinsk. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact. Four passengers suffered serious injuries, and the remaining five occupants were killed.
Weather Conditions and Crew Actions
During the journey, the crew had to adjust altitude multiple times due to marginal weather. As they neared Labinsk, they received information about thunderstorm activity on the intended route. Despite this, they decided to proceed. The weather briefing transmitted to the crew was later found to be inaccurate, a factor considered concomitant by investigators.
Accident Sequence
At 1503LT, the aircraft flew into the thunderstorm area. Shortly thereafter, it lost airspeed and altitude, leading to a loss of control. The airplane subsequently impacted a cornfield located in Krasnyy, approximately 35 km southeast of Labinsk. The force of the impact destroyed the aircraft.
Injuries and Damage
The crash resulted in serious injuries to four passengers. All five other occupants died. The aircraft was destroyed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the crew's decision to continue flight into thunderstorm activity and adverse weather conditions, and their failure to return. Thunderstorm activity and altitude turbulences caused the aircraft to lose speed and height, rendering it uncontrollable. Additionally, inaccurate weather briefing information transmitted to the crew was considered a concomitant factor.